|
To Our Subscribers
| |
The Board of Education is committed to ensuring that our parents, community and partners are fully informed on all district matters.
Through the use of our electronic newsletter, we are able to communicate more effectively and frequently than ever before while at the same time being mindful of our precious resources to do so: time, talent, and money.
Thank you for being a part of our flow of information. If at anytime you change your email or your preferences (such as which e-newsletters you would like to receive throughout our district), please click on the
"Update Profile and Email Address"
link at the bottom of this email.
|
|
|
|
|
Superintendent's Message
The 2014-15 school year has been filled with innovation, academic excellence and school pride!
In the newsletter below, I have highlighted just a few of the exciting events and activities that have taken place in our school district, such as the teacher TECH Academy, parent education meetings about the Common Core State Standards, new internship programs and course offerings, and recent student successes.
Thank you for your on-going support.
Dr. Alex Cherniss
Superintendent of Schools
|
Message from the Board of Education
2014 was one of the most significant years in the history of our school district. Superintendent Loren Kleinrock retired after more than 30 years of service to our District, and on July 1 we began a new chapter with Superintendent Alex Cherniss. We have outstanding new people in our teams at each of our school sites. We have a new California funding formula for education ("LCFF"), a new structure for much of our curriculum (Common Core), a new California testing system (Smarter Balanced Assessment), and, to come, a new state Academic Performance Index (API).
The more things change, the more they stay the same - 2014 saw unprecedented success for our District, the number one unified district in California under the API for the past eleven years. A separate study of school districts nationally ranked us number one in California and number 14 in the United States. Our students have achieved unparalleled successes and recognition. Our community has continued to support our schools with parcel tax dollars and Schools Foundation contributions to make up for the shortfall in State funding of our district relative to other districts, a relative shortfall that will increase, not decline, under the new LCFF formula.
On behalf of the Board of Education, we thank each of you for your unwavering support of our schools and our community. This District - and with it our community - would not be what they are today without you. And we wish you and your families the happiest of holiday seasons and a happy new year.
|
TECH ACADEMY
Our Technology Department supports and prepares teachers and staff with the necessary technology integration skills to excel in the Common Core environment.
This year we offered our first TECH Academy to teachers and administrators. The TECH Academy is a new and innovative technology professional development program designed to integrate technology-based skills and tools to enhance our teachers' job performance. The first six-week series focused on integrating Chromebooks in the classroom, communicating and collaborating with students online with Google Docs, publishing on-line, and using a learning management system. The series was blended (face-to-face and on-line instruction) and was offered after-school for teachers/staff. In addition, the series was taught by our own educational technology leaders at their own school sites. The program was well-received with more than 100 teachers organized in 12 small group cohorts. The SMUSD TECH Academy series will be offered continuously throughout the school year with more advanced technology training.
|
Parent Education Meetings
Since California adopted the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics, our District has provided information and forums for parents to help them understand how and what your children are learning with the Common Core. During October, Parent Education Meetings were presented at both Carver and Valentine Schools, and also at Huntington Middle School. These meetings provided important and useful information about our Common Core implementation. Below are brief summaries of the meetings:
Elementary Schools
On October 15, we offered our first Parent Education Meeting in the morning at Valentine School and an evening meeting at Carver School. Both of these events were well received with over 250 parents in attendance. Mr. Craig Wilmore (Everyday Mathematics consultant from McGraw-Hill) gave an overview of our new K-5 math adoption. He cited the research that the University of Chicago has done to make the Everyday Mathematics curriculum the best program for preparing our students to learn the Common Core State Standards and to do well on the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) tests. At the end of the presentation, there was a question and answer session. Most of the parent questions related in knowing how to help their child if he/she was struggling with the math concepts. Mr. Wilmore and several of our teachers provided extensive resources to help parents with supporting their children with learning Everyday Mathematics (on-line and hard copy resources). The following website provides parents information and resources for the Everyday Mathematics program: http://everydaymath.uchicago.edu/parents/
Middle School
On October 29 in the evening, Huntington MS hosted its first Parent Education Meeting on Common Core Math and available on-line math resources. Approximately 130 parents attended two different sessions grouped by grade levels (6th grade and 7/8thgrade). In one session, parents had the opportunity to participate in a group math activity similar to an "actual" SBAC test question. In the second session, math teachers presented information on two available online math tools that our students use: ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces) and ConnectED. ALEKS is a web-based, artificial intelligence assessment and learning system. Students log in with their own name and password. It uses adaptive questioning to determine exactly what a student knows and doesn't know in a math course. ALEKS then instructs the student on the topics he/she is most ready to learn. As a student works through a course, ALEKS periodically reassesses the student to ensure that topics learned are also retained. Parents were also given strategies to help their child use the ALEKS system. The second online tool presented was ConnectED. ConnectED is part of the McGraw-Hill math program that we adopted at HMS. It provides students access to video tutorials for their individual math classes. In addition, there are animations and interactive labs provided to engage students and allow them to explore mathematical topics. There are also "self check" quizzes and chapter tests to provide quick assessments with hints that students can use to get ready for in-class assessments.
High School
Principal Mary Johnson and Assistant Principal Doug Berry presented an English Language Arts/Literacy workshop on November 13th at 6 p.m. (Career Center) to high school parents on Close Reading strategies that are linked to Common Core ELA implementation. The Common Core requires students to engage in close reading to extract the most meaning from complex text. Close reading strategies will assist students with: (1) understanding the purpose in reading; (2) seeing ideas in a text as being interconnected; (3) looking for and understanding systems of meaning; (4) engaging in a text while reading; (5) getting beyond "surface" reading or skimming; and (6) formulating questions and seeking answers to the questions while reading.
We plan to offer more Parent Education Meetings throughout the school year for our parents to gain better understanding of the instructional shifts of Common Core and to help support your children during this transition.
|
TK-5 Grades Standards-Based Report Card
This year we have formed a District-wide elementary school committee to develop Standards-Based Report Cards, which will be aligned to the California Common Core State Standards. A Standards-Based Report Card is an essential component of a standards-based system. School districts throughout California are pairing standards-based report cards with their standards-based teaching.
Our Standards-Based Report Cards will be a tool to communicate a student's progress toward achieving the Common Core State standards. Instead of letter grades, students will receive marks that describe proficiency levels or how well they have mastered a specific standard. For example, these marks could be designated as: (4) Extends and Expands (advanced), (3) Consistent Achievement (proficient), (2) Partial Achievement (basic) and (1) Minimal Achievement (below basic) for each standard. We hope to provide an optional standards-based report card by the 2nd trimester. Our goal is to work with teachers and parents throughout this implementation to interpret the standards-based report card and use it as a vehicle for productive conversations about academic progress with both your child and your child's teacher.
|
SMHS Mock Trial Program
The SMHS Mock Trial Program consists of two teams (an A-Team and a B-Team of 26 students) that compete in the Los Angeles County Annual Mock Trial Competition. The Mock Trial Program is an academic competition in which high school teams compete at the county level. This year 96 teams participated in a trial simulation of a criminal case. Student teams study a hypothetical case, conduct legal research, and receive guidance from volunteer attorneys in courtroom procedures and trial preparation. Students participate as lawyers, witnesses, court clerks, and bailiffs, thus acquiring a working knowledge of our judicial system. The Mock Trial Program encourages young people to develop their analytical abilities and communication skills while gaining increased self-confidence.
In the LA County Annual Mock Trial Competition, our A-Team made it to the quarterfinals and finished 8th overall! The team was lead by senior Rachel Linton, co-counsel junior Gregory Eng and junior Rachelle Liu. Junior Emerson Liu, junior Valeria Diaz and junior Nicole Clarke led the B-Team. The team journalist, junior Beverly Deng, took 1st place in the LA County Mock Trial Courtroom Journalist Competition and will now compete in the state competition in March.
The SMHS Mock Trial Team is coached by Marian Thompson (parent and Los Angeles County District Attorney), Louis Morin (Los Angeles County District Attorney) and Diane Evans (San Marino resident and attorney). Mr. Peter Paccone (SMHS history teacher) oversees and sponsors the program.
|
|
SMHS Fall Varsity Sports Update
Our Fall Sports teams have had very successful seasons! In summary, Football finished 2nd in the Rio Hondo League (RHL) and defeated Claremont HS in the 1st round of CIF, but lost to Charter Oak HS in the 2nd round; Cross Country Boys were RHL Champions and the Girls finished second in league play (7 boys and 7 girls went on to CIF competition); Girls Tennis were RHL Champions and defeated Mater Dei HS in the 1st round of CIF, but lost to Mira Costa HS in the 2nd round (students Sophia Lee, Madeleine Gandawidjaja, and Devon Jack competed in CIF individual play); Girls Golf finished as RHL Champions and went to the semi-final round of CIF; Water Polo finished 3rd in the RHL league and lost by one point in the 1st round of CIF play against Murrieta HS; and Girls Volleyball finished 4th in RHL competition. We are very proud of the accomplishments of our student athletes
|
Internship Program at SMHS
The San Marino High School has added a new counselor, Jeanne Brown, to support our students in the areas of College and Career readiness. One of her major goals is to create a formalized internship program. Through this program, students will gain hands-on and real world experience by participating in internships with companies and individuals in the surrounding area. So far students have been placed in the following internships: Compass Real Estate with Teri Barton, FotoNuova (fashion/styling) with Aaron Gil, writing internships with a private writer in the community, and working with Marla Felber on the renovation of the Michael White Adobe structure on campus. There are currently internships available with the Crowell Library, Our Parenting Place, Bowtie Allergy (medical specialists), and with photographer David Solzberg.
To learn more about the internship program and to see current openings, please go to: http://sanmarinohighschoolinternships.weebly.com If you are interested in becoming part of this growing program by hosting an intern, please contact Jeanne Brown at jbrown@smusd.us
|
Introduction to Computer Science (Coding) Class
An exciting new course offered this year at San Marino High School is Introduction to Computer Science taught by Mr. David Basulto. Students have been learning the basics of JavaScript, including variables, user input, control structures, functions with parameters and return values, and how to send messages to objects on a computer screen. Students use a program called "CodeHS" to create their own animations, graphics, and games for the web. The Introduction to Computer Science course is the first part of a planned sequence to offer more coding classes in the future at SMHS. For example, a C++ Programming Class will be offered next year with an AP Computer Science course offered in 2016-17.
|
|
SMHS Students Lose Experiment in Rocket Explosion
The explosion of an unmanned Antares rocket
in Virginia on October 28th bound for the International Space Station taught a hard lesson to some San Marino HS students-- aboard the rocket was an experiment and mission patch designed by our own SMHS students. The rocket was carrying a Cygnus cargo ship filled with supplies bound for the International Space Station and science experiments from high school students.
San Marino HS has been participating in the Student Spaceflight Experiment Program (SSEP) sponsored by the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education for the last several years. The program allows students to design and propose a microgravity experiment that is conducted in low Earth orbit on the International Space Station (ISS). Nearly 1,500 proposals were submitted by school districts throughout the U.S. and Canada. The program initially used the Space Shuttle in its final fights in 2011. Since 2012, SSEP has been using the International Space Station (ISS).
SSEP conducts a design competition to determine the experiments that will be used on the ISS. SMHS students proposed an experiment to investigate the development of the common housefly from pupae to adult stages in microgravity. They participated a formal two-step review process. The first review was done at the local level through a community review panel consisting of teachers, former teachers, community professionals, and former students. The final selection was carried out by the SSEP National Review Board. Upon selection, the experiment underwent a NASA flight safety review at Johnson Space Center in Houston. The experiment was eventually launched out of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) in Virginia.
Because of the rocket explosion in Virginia, the mission is being re-flown in December. For Spring 2015, SMHS is looking to participate in Mission 8, which requires a large commitment in time, expertise, and financial support. Past support has come from PTSA, staff, SMUSD, and private donors to provide this remarkable opportunity. If you are interested in helping SMHS continue its involvement, please contact Mr. Wyeth Collo (science teacher) at San Marino HS.
|
Mending Kids Campus Club Receives Award
SMHS for Mending Kids Club (SMHS 4 MKI) was recently recognized for its community assistance with helping children in various hospitals. The campus club is affiliated with Mending Kids International - a group of physicians who perform corrective transformational surgeries to needy children worldwide. Laura Ives and Kathie Blanton are co-advisors for the club.
The club was honored in November at the MKI's Annual Gala in Santa Monica with a "Teen Leadership Award". This award was in recognition for their outstanding assistance and work with children at local hospitals. SMHS 4 MKI annually organizes a classroom donation drive for "goodie bag" items, such as lollipops; bubbles, crayons, hair ties and ribbons, matchbox cars, sunglasses and small stuffed animals. The club members fill the "goodie bags" with these items and distribute them to the patients before they leave post surgery. They have also made fleece tied blankets for the children.
SMHS 4 MKI has hosted two after school events with doctors as guest speakers who shared why they volunteer with MKI. In addition, several student members have volunteered and worked summer internships with MKI. The SMHS 4 MKI has truly made a difference in helping kids!
|
Professional Development Activities
The San Marino Unified School District (SMUSD) Governing Board and Leadership Team support professional development as a necessary ingredient for improved student achievement. Ongoing professional development keeps teachers up-to-date on new research on how children learn, emerging technology tools for the classroom, new curriculum resources, and more. The best professional development is ongoing, collaborative, and connected to and derived from working with students and understanding their culture. We have seven planned "pupil free" days during the school year for teachers to meet and work on relevant educational issues. This year, teachers and staff have participated in three professional development days engaged in the systemic implementation of the Common Core State Standards in math and English Language Arts (ELA) at each school. The following provides a brief description of what teachers and staff have focused on:
Valentine and Carver Elementary Schools
The implementation of our new mathematics adoption, Everyday Mathematics, has been the primary focus of our professional development at both Carver and Valentine Elementary Schools. Consultants from the publisher (McGraw-Hill) have worked extensively with our teachers in grade level groups (K-2 and 3-5) to learn this challenging curriculum. Working within these groups, teachers have collaborated in grade level teams to support the use of Everyday Mathematics. They have participated in workshops on curriculum and developing new instructional strategies to teach to the Common Core State Standards. In addition, they have learned how to use the various on-line resources that are provided with
Everyday Mathematics. For example, teachers and staff have been trained on the use of e-presentation software for classroom lessons. They have learned how to use the various assessment components that are available and how to use manipulatives and math games. Our teachers are doing a masterful job preparing for this new and challenging curriculum.
Huntington Middle School
Huntington teachers and staff have been engaged in continuous professional development to fully align their curriculum to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics. In ELA, all teachers received training in the 6+1 Traits of Writing Program. This program closely matches the Common Core ELA instructional shifts that we want all of our teachers to be skillful in. As a result of these instructional shifts, all teachers -- and not just English teachers -- need a common language for talking about the quality of written work. They have been involved in assessing student writing and helping students improve their writing skills across a range of topics and purposes.
To support our English Language Learners with Common Core, Dr. Ilene Straus (Professional Development consultant and Vice-President of the California State Board of Education) and Ms. Jo Ann Isken (English Language Development consultant and Chair of California's Instructional Quality Commission) presented workshops on "Literacy for All Students" to Huntington MS and San Marino HS teachers. Ms. Jo Ann Isken was instrumental in writing the new English Language Arts (ELA)/English Language Development (ELD) Framework for the California Department of Education. The workshops covered the new ELA/ELD Framework and how it provides for the implementation of the Common Core State Standards for ELA. The new Framework focuses on the teaching and learning of English literacy and language, which includes instruction in reading, writing, speaking and listening, and the use and development of these skills across all disciplines. Teachers learned meaningful learning strategies to help English Language Learner (ELL) students be successful in their core content classes.
For Common Core Math implementation, teachers received extensive training in our new mathematics adoption (Glencoe/McGraw Hill) during our Professional Development Days. Consultants from the publisher and HMS lead teachers have worked with math teachers to learn the fundamental shifts in classroom instruction that the Common Core demands. Teachers have learned the various resources to help students build solid conceptual understanding, to increase procedural skill and fluency, and to apply the math they know to solve problems. The Math Department will be participating in on-going professional development throughout the school year as we implement this new adoption.
San Marino High School
The primary focus of professional development at San Marino High School (SMHS) has been on ELA instructional strategies and technology integration. For ELA, Principal Mary Johnson, Assistant Principal Doug Berry, and consultant Dr. Ilene Strauss have trained staff on literacy development for all students and
Close Reading strategies. The Common Core State Standards for ELA/literacy calls for students to undertake "close and attentive reading" that is at the heart of understanding. Teachers have learned how to help students do the following: (1) how to understand key ideas and details by the author; (2) understand how the structure of text reinforces and supports an author's purpose and message; and (3) to recognize how the text connects to others and to evaluate its quality. As a result of this training, teachers have worked in their various academic Departments to develop "high quality" close reading activities in their classrooms.
SMHS teachers have also participated in training to use interactive technology tools in their classrooms. During the summer, classrooms were updated with new technology. In addition, teachers have had sessions on how to integrate iPads with Close Reading and how to use learning management systems such as Schoology and Haiku.
These learning management systems are web-based to facilitate access to learning content and to enhance classroom teaching. Teachers have requested more training in this area.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
